Ask the Expert: Mother of Thousand Plant.
I have a Mother of Thousand growing in my home, but the problem I am having is that the leaves curl. Am I watering it to much or what. Would you please give me some helpful hints. Would greatly appreciate it Thank you Patricia
Plant Expert Reply:
I assume that your plant is a Kalanchoe diagremontiana (mexican hat plant or mother of a thousand – See picture). These plants are susceptible to thrips, cyclamen mites, and leaf rollers which can all cause leaf curly. If this is the problem you will need and insecticide or miticide to get rid of the problem. Use a magnifying glass to verify that you have a insect problem. Your local garden center should have a houseplant insectide/miticide that will be safe for your Kalanchoe.
These insect usually take over a plant when it is in stress. Keep you Kalanchoe evenly moist at all times. Do not keep it soggy this will cause root rot.
Good luck and keep me posted.
I have one of these plants my son made for me at school. It’s getting tall and leggy, what can I do so it doesn’t fall over?
You can trim back any stems that are out of shape and top it to make it shorter. If you are afraid of cutting it back too much, consider repotting it into a bigger pot or staking the main stalk.